If you are in crisis right now
If you or someone you know is thinking about suicide or self-harm, call or text 988 to reach the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, free and confidential, 24 hours a day. For Spanish, call 988 and press 2, or text AYUDA to 988. If someone is in immediate danger, call 911.
Needing help with anxiety, depression, grief, or stress is common. Finding that help in Orlando when you do not have insurance can feel impossible. It is not. This guide lays out the real options, what each one costs, and how to take the first step this week.
We will cover crisis support, free and low-cost community resources in Orange County, and how DUG’s Orlando clinic on West Colonial Drive provides confidential mental health evaluations and medication management for patients with or without insurance.
Your options at a glance
| Option | Best for | Typical cost without insurance |
|---|---|---|
| 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline | Any emotional crisis, any time of day | Free |
| DUG Health Orlando | Medical evaluation, diagnosis, and medication management for anxiety, depression, sleep, and mood | Self-pay rates from $90 (telehealth) to $200 (new patient visit); assistance may be available |
| Federally funded health centers | Primary care with integrated behavioral health, sliding-scale fees | Based on income |
| State-funded providers (Florida DCF network) | Counseling and treatment for people who meet income rules | Free or low cost |
| Telehealth counseling | Talk therapy from home, flexible hours | Varies by provider |
Start here if you are struggling today
If the problem is urgent, you do not need to research anything. Call or text 988. The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline connects you with a trained counselor, free of charge, 24 hours a day. It is for anyone in emotional distress, not only people thinking about suicide. Counselors can also help you figure out what kind of ongoing care makes sense.
For help finding treatment, the federal FindTreatment.gov locator and the SAMHSA National Helpline at 1-800-662-4357 are both free, confidential, and available in English and Spanish.
Why uninsured Orlando residents go without care
Orange County has plenty of therapists and psychiatrists, but most private practices bill $150 to $250 per session and many do not accept new patients without insurance. Public programs exist, but waitlists can be long and eligibility rules confusing. The result is that people wait, and symptoms that would have responded to early treatment get worse.
The National Institute of Mental Health describes depression as a common but serious condition that is treatable for most people, and anxiety disorders as among the most common mental health conditions in the country. Both respond well to treatment. Neither gets better by being ignored.
You do not need a diagnosis to ask for help
Trouble sleeping, worry that will not switch off, low mood that has lasted more than two weeks, or feeling overwhelmed by something you used to handle are all good enough reasons to talk to a provider.
Mental health care at DUG Orlando
DUG Health provides mental health evaluation and medication management through licensed medical providers. That means a private conversation about your symptoms, history, and goals, followed by a treatment plan. When medication is appropriate, your provider prescribes it, monitors how you respond, and adjusts the plan over time.
This is medical mental health care, not talk therapy. If counseling would also help you, your provider will point you toward appropriate resources. For many people, the combination of the two works best.
Evaluation
A thorough first visit covering symptoms, sleep, stress, current medications, and what you hope will change.
Medication management
Prescriptions when appropriate, with scheduled follow-ups to track progress and manage side effects.
Follow-up by telehealth
Many check-ins can be done by secure video, so staying on track does not mean taking time off work.
Common concerns we help with
- Persistent low mood or loss of interest in things you used to enjoy
- Anxiety, worry, or panic attacks
- Trouble falling asleep or staying asleep
- Difficulty concentrating at work or school
- Mood swings or stress that has become hard to manage
- Grief after a loss that does not seem to be easing
Because DUG is also a primary care clinic, your provider looks at the whole picture. Thyroid problems, blood pressure, chronic pain, and sleep conditions can all affect mood, and we can check for them in the same visit.
What it costs without insurance
DUG publishes its self-pay pricing so there are no surprises. Current rates for the visits most mental health patients use are listed below.
| Visit | Self-pay price |
|---|---|
| New patient initial office visit | $200 |
| New patient visit with basic labs | $275 |
| Established patient office visit | $150 |
| Telehealth encounter (10 to 15 minutes) | $90 |
All major insurance plans are accepted, and no insurance is required. Select services may be available at no cost for eligible patients, and DUG works with assistance programs that can help with pharmacy co-pays and monthly insurance premiums. Ask our team before your visit, or read our guide to affordable primary care in Florida without insurance for the full picture.
A note on prescriptions
Many generic antidepressants and anti-anxiety medications cost under $20 a month at Orlando pharmacies. Your provider will consider cost when choosing a medication, and co-pay assistance may be available for others.
What to expect in the first weeks of treatment
Starting mental health treatment is a process, not a single visit. Knowing what the first month usually looks like makes it easier to stick with it.
| Timeframe | What usually happens |
|---|---|
| Week 1 | You begin medication if prescribed. Mild side effects such as nausea, drowsiness, or restlessness are common and usually fade. |
| Weeks 2 to 4 | Sleep and energy often improve first. Mood changes take longer. Your provider checks in, often by telehealth, to review side effects and adjust the dose. |
| Weeks 4 to 8 | Most people who respond to a medication notice a clear difference by now. If not, your provider may change the dose or try a different option. |
| Ongoing | Follow-up visits every one to three months, then less often once you are stable. Treatment length depends on your history and goals. |
Do not stop a medication on your own, even if you feel better or feel worse. Call the clinic first. Stopping suddenly can cause withdrawal effects or a return of symptoms, and your provider can almost always find a better path.
Other free and low-cost mental health resources in Orlando
DUG is one option, not the only one. Depending on your needs, one of these may fit better, or work alongside care at DUG.
Federally qualified health centers
Community health centers funded by HRSA charge on a sliding scale based on income and often include counseling. Use the HRSA Find a Health Center tool to search by ZIP code.
Florida DCF-funded providers
The Florida Department of Children and Families oversees a statewide network of substance abuse and mental health providers that serve people without insurance.
Florida Department of Health in Orange County
The county health department offers low-cost clinical services and can direct you to local programs.
Health insurance marketplace
If your income has changed, you may now qualify for subsidized coverage through HealthCare.gov. Open enrollment begins November 1.
How to get started at DUG Orlando
Step 1
Book or walk in
Book online, call (877) 384-6337 Ext 4000, or walk into our Orlando clinic Monday through Friday, 9 AM to 5 PM.
Step 2
Complete your evaluation
A private conversation with a licensed provider about your symptoms, history, medications, and goals. Plan on a longer first visit.
Step 3
Receive your plan
If medication is appropriate, your provider explains the options, what to expect in the first weeks, and how you will be monitored.
Step 4
Follow up and adjust
Regular visits, many of them by telehealth, let your provider fine-tune treatment as you improve.
Clinic location
DUG Orlando
- 3300 W Colonial Dr, Suite 143, Orlando, FL 32808
- Monday to Friday, 9 AM to 5 PM
- (877) 384-6337, Ext 4000
Prefer not to come in? Our guide to telehealth for anxiety and depression in Florida explains how virtual mental health visits work and who they suit.
Mental health is health. Treating it should not depend on the insurance card in your wallet.
Frequently asked questions
DUG offers affordable self-pay mental health visits, and select services may be available at no cost for eligible patients. Call (877) 384-6337 to ask about eligibility before your visit.
DUG provides medical mental health care: evaluation, diagnosis, and medication management by licensed providers. If talk therapy would help, your provider will refer you to appropriate counseling resources.
Yes. No insurance is required. Self-pay prices are published on our pricing page, and all major insurance plans are also accepted.
Walk-ins are welcome, and online booking usually offers appointments within a few days. Telehealth visits can sometimes be scheduled sooner.
Yes. Your mental health information is protected like every other part of your medical record, and nothing is shared without your permission except where required by law.
Book a mental health visit at DUG Orlando
Confidential evaluation and medication management, in person or by telehealth. No insurance required. Call (877) 384-6337 Ext 4000 or book online.
Medical disclaimer
This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always talk with a licensed healthcare provider about your individual situation. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911.
References
External links are limited to government health sources and open in a new tab. All links verified working on October 12, 2026.
- 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. https://www.samhsa.gov/mental-health/988
- FindTreatment.gov. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. https://findtreatment.gov/
- SAMHSA National Helpline. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/helplines/national-helpline
- Depression. National Institute of Mental Health. https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/depression
- Anxiety Disorders. National Institute of Mental Health. https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/anxiety-disorders
- Find a Health Center. Health Resources and Services Administration. https://findahealthcenter.hrsa.gov/
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Program. Florida Department of Children and Families. https://www.myflfamilies.com/services/substance-abuse-and-mental-health
- Florida Department of Health in Orange County. https://orange.floridahealth.gov/